Payment Policy on MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers a straightforward payment policy with flexible terms designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers. All pricing and transactions are processed in U.S. dollars for North American bookings though local currency policies may apply in international markets. Whether booking directly with MSC or through a travel advisor, guests can expect a clear process for deposits, final payments, and cancellations.

Deposit Requirements

To confirm a reservation, MSC requires a deposit at the time of booking. The deposit amount depends on the cruise length, stateroom category and any special promotional fares. For most standard sailings, deposit amounts typically fall within the following ranges:

• Standard Cruises: 4 nights or less: $99 per adult, 5 to 14 nights: $199 per adult, 15 nights or more: $300 per adult
• Yacht Club Cruises (non-refundable deposit): 4 nights or less: $99 per adult, 5 to 14 nights: $199 per adult, 15 nights or more: $300 per adult
• World Cruise (non-refundable deposit): 15% of the total Cruise Package price, due within one  

Guests will be advised of the exact deposit and refundability terms at the time of booking. Deposits for standard sailings are generally refundable until the final payment deadline unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions. No additional deposit required for Children 17 and under sailing as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom:

Final Payment

Full payment is required in advance of departure. The deadline for final payment varies by sailing length and cruise type:

• 75 days before departure for cruises 4 nights or less
• 90 days before departure for cruises 5–14 nights
• 110 days before departure for cruises 15 nights or longer
• 120 days before departure for World Cruises

Reservations made after these deadlines must be paid in full at the time of booking. Guests receive payment reminders via email or from their travel advisor and balances can be paid online through the MSC website or over the phone.

Cancellation Policy

MSC Cruises recognizes that travel plans may change, and their cancellation policies are designed to offer reasonable flexibility while supporting essential operational planning. Penalties depend on both the type of cruise and the timing of the cancellation. Below are the standard cancellation terms for cruises lasting between 5 and 14 nights:

• 89–61 days before departure: Deposit non-refundable
• 60–46 days: 50% of the cruise fare
• 45–16 days: 75% of the cruise fare
• 15–0 days: 100% of the cruise fare

Guests are encouraged to review their specific booking terms and consider travel insurance to help protect against cancellation fees due to unforeseen circumstances.

Flexible Payment Options

MSC Cruises supports a variety of payment methods including major credit cards, debit cards, and MSC gift cards. Financing is available through Uplift on select bookings, allowing travelers to split their total balance into manageable monthly payments with fixed interest rates. Flexible promotional options such as reduced deposits and delayed final payment dates are occasionally available during limited-time sales.

Currency and Travel Insurance

All fares and payments for U.S. guests are quoted in US dollars. International travelers should be aware of currency conversion fees or fluctuations if paying in a different currency. MSC strongly encourages purchasing travel protection to guard against unexpected cancellations, interruptions or emergencies that could result in non-refundable expenses.

Booking Support

Guests can manage payments through MSC’s website, app or with a travel advisor. The MSC for Me app provides real-time access to account balances and sailing details helping to ensure a smooth and well-organized booking process from start to finish.